Gender develops from a combination of biological and social influences. Biologically, chromosomes and hormones shape male and female characteristics from an early age. Socially, children begin to develop a gender identity around age 2 and learn gender roles and expectations through interactions with others that reinforce cultural definitions of femininity and masculinity. By age 3-5, children prefer activities and toys that are considered appropriate for their gender.

1. GENDER AND SEXUALITY
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2. THE DEVELOPMENT OF GENDER
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3. THE DEVELOPMENT OF GENDER
• Male & female characteristics
• Gender identity:
• Sense of own gender
• Appears @ age 2
• Gender roles:
• Expectations (think, act, feel) for females & males
• Biological influences
• Chromosomes, hormones (androgens), evolution
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4. THE DEVELOPMENT OF GENDER
• Evolutionary psychological view
• Human adaptation from reproduction roles
• Social influences
• Adaptation due to social experiences
• Social role theory:
• Cultural definition of
• Social hierarchy
• Gender differences in power
• Nurture
• Status
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5. GENDER IDENTITY
• Social Influences and Reinforcement
• Boy infants more
• Active
• Fussier
• Activity level shapes
• Personality
• Attention
• We respond to boys different than girls?
• May contribute to toy preferences.
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